State flood aid available for southern Ohio

Uninsured homeowners and renters whose property in southern Ohio was damaged by flash floods on May 10 and May 11 may be eligible for help from the state.

Uninsured homeowners and renters whose property in southern Ohio was damaged by flash floods on May 10 and May 11 may be eligible for help from the state.

The offices of Gov. John R. Kasich and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency said today that the state will commit $750,000 in assistance for residents of Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties.

The money is intended to help cover the loss of real and personal property, as well as funeral expenses. One person died in the floods.

James Stevens, 47, of Franklin Furnace in Scioto County, died May 12 when he was swept away and pulled under by rushing high water near his home.

Stevens, who was partially paralyzed on one side, had been stuck inside his trailer by flooding and was trying to walk to meet someone who would take him grocery shopping, authorities said.

Kasich also has asked for a federal assessment of flood damage in 21 Ohio counties resulting from the heavy rains in April. Record-setting rains caused landslides, damaged roads and washed away culverts, bridges and overpasses.